EU Commissioner for Development meets President Kagame

The European Union Commissioner for development, Andris Piebalgs shaking hands with President Paul Kagame in Kigali

The European Union Commissioner for development, Andris Piebalgs met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame to discuss a new six-year development partnership plan between Rwanda and the European Union.

He held discussions with the Rwandan President in Kigali on March 6, 2014.

“For the period of 2014-2020 our goal is to strengthen economic growth in the country by focusing on the energy sector reform and Agriculture because they create job and economic growth,” disclosed Piebalgs.

“The initiative will kick-start with the funding of 460 million Euro, roughly 50% more than the previous one which is a big increase and I have no doubt that it will be used quite well, “ he explained.

The Comissioner and President Kagame also discussed the upcoming Africa-EU Heads of State Summit in Brussels slated for April.

“We all believe that there is a need for qualitative change in relationship between these two continents and we are looking forward to a successful Summit that won’t only be about signing papers but different types of genuine exchanges about what unites both continents,” Piebalas said.

The Rwanda Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Louise Mushikiwabo said the European Union is satisfied with the projects executed between 2008-2013 which is why they have decided to double the cooperation support for the next six years.